The updated fifth edition of the definitive illustrated history of the modern lightweight derailleur racing bicycle and its gearing system - right up to the modern generations of mountain bikes and road racers. Derailleurs, aren't they those funny things on the back of your bicycle? How could a book about them possibly be interesting, especially if you don't fiddle with them? Frank Berto has written a bicycle masterpiece in a style that goes far more then just talk about gears. His book has topics of interest for virtually every discipline, from racers to mountain bikers. It offers more history, more personalities, and more photographs and illustrations than it would seem to be possible. And, it has all been done it in a way that is fascinating and contemporary to read. This is a classic text - revised, updated and expanded - with a wealth of technological detail and illustrations.